Electro-therapeutic device

ABSTRACT

In the field of electrotherapy, there are currently known devices and methods, in which either the frequency or the amplitude of a therapeutic current is varied. According to a representation of the amplitude on a logarithmic frequency scale, said methods are designated correspondingly as methods of vertical or horizontal stimulation. Various advantages and disadvantages are associated with both methods. The invention relates to a device for carrying out an electrotherapeutic method, according to which the amplitude (A) and the frequency (f) of the therapeutic current (i B ) are simultaneously varied within a therapeutic frequency band (f B ), which lies in the medium frequency range, in such a way that the method is carried out in discrete frequency steps, either in the range of different frequencies lying just below a stimulation threshold (RS), or periodically between a stimulation that lies above the threshold and a stimulation that lies below said threshold.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Application No.100 39 240.7, filed Aug. 11, 2000. Applicant also claims priority under35 U.S.C. §365 of PCT/DE01/02983, filed Aug. 10, 2001. The internationalapplication under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an electro-therapeutic device for the treatmentof the preferably human body with electrical currents having a definedfrequency and amplitude. The device comprises at least two flatelectrodes that can be connected with the body to be treated, forclosing a current circuit via said body, in connection with which atreatment current, the amplitude (A) and frequency (f) of which can besimultaneously modulated, can be introduced into the body to be treated.

Such a device is known already from the Japanese patent application JP5-212 126 A.

A similar device, which, however, is operated without simultaneousmodulation of the amplitude and frequency, is known from the Europeanpatent specification EP 0 659 099 B1.

A distinction is made in connection with this known electro-therapeuticdevice between two methods of application of stimulation current:

-   -   the “polar stimulation principle” that is depending on the        polarity; and    -   the “non-polar stimulation principle that is independent of the        polarity.

The polarity stimulation principle is applicable to low-frequencycurrents in the range of from 0 to 200 Hz, and the non-polar stimulationprinciple is applicable to so-called medium-frequency currents in therange of from about 1 to 100 kHz.

Furthermore, in the field of electro-therapy, a distinction can be madebetween stimulation effects that depend on the frequency, andstimulation effects that are independent of the frequency. Furthermore,methods are known that elevate these effects in an isolated manner andcombine them with each other in a useful manner.

In connection with the methods depending on the frequency, the frequencyof the treatment current is varied, and the amplitude of the treatmentcurrent is varied in connection with the methods depending on theamplitude.

If, in a double-logarithmic system of coordinates, the thresholds of thefrequency are represented as a function of the frequency, whereby theintensity of the voltage or current are represented as ordinate valuesand the frequencies as abscissa values, the result is an approximatelystraight-line development of the curve. However, the developing curve isascending in an approximately straight-lined manner only because theintensity threshold values rise to a relatively higher degree as thefrequency values are rising, so that the ascent of the curve grows to aminor extent with the increase in the frequency accordingly. Expressedin other words, the approximately straight-lined curve “is saggingthrough a little”.

The aforementioned, only approximately straight-lined development of thecurve represents the stimulation threshold, thus -a frequency-dependentintensity threshold value that is triggering action potentials when itis exceeded.

The frequency at which this threshold is repeatedly exceeded due torepeated variation of the amplitude, determines the frequency at whichthe above-mentioned action potentials are triggered in conjunction withthe stimulation method depending on the amplitude.

In the aforementioned system of coordinates, the treatment currentsapplied in the field of electro-therapy depending on the frequency areflowing in a horizontal straight line, and the treatment currentgenerated in the case of the treatment depending on the amplitude areflowing on a vertical straight line.

The two methods are accordingly referred to also the horizontal and thevertical stimulation.

Purely below-threshold applications are known in connection with bothmethods are well if, in the therapy, importance is attributed to effectsother than the described stimulation effects.

The successes achieved in electro-therapy primarily relate to the areasof alleviating pain, the stimulation of cross-striated and smoothmusculature, of influencing the blood circulation and the metabolism;inhibition of inflammation, and promotion of the regeneration in thearea of healing wounds and bones.

The basis for the therapeutic spectrum of currents are their physicalparameters and the influences that are derived from these parameters andare acting on the functions of the structures of the biological systemsbeing treated.

Such parameters of the current are most of all the frequency with itsmodulations; the modulation frequencies; and the intensity parameterssuch as the voltage, the current intensity, the output; the locallyeffective field strength; the current density, the output density etc.,as well as in turn their modulation as the amplitude modulation at theamplitude modulation frequency and the degree of modulation.

In connection with currents, a distinction has to be made betweensystemic and local compatibility, as it has to be made in connectionwith pharmaceuticals.

The systemic compatibility of currents is determined most of all by theelectro-toxic dosage required for triggering cardiac ventricularfibrillation, or for triggering epileptic attacks.

The “poorest” local compatibility is exhibited by direct current becauseof the risk of causing local burns and cauterization. Low-frequencycurrents are quite incompatible as well because of the poor manner inwhich they can be inroduced into the body transcutaneously, and the lowlocal pain thresholds deriving therefrom. Furthermore, in most cases,low-frequency currents also comprise a direct-current component with theproblems mentioned above.

The disadvantages of low-frequency currents and of direct current can beavoided in connection with the so-called “horizontal stimulation” in theintermediate frequency range between 1 kHz and 100 kHz according to thedevice known already from EP 0 659 099 B1. The principle consists inthat in the system of coordinates mentioned above, a horizontallow-frequency change in the carrier frequency takes place in such amanner that a variation is effected between an above-threshold and abelow-threshold carrier frequency range, i.e. the medium-frequencycarrier frequencies are frequency-modulated at a low frequency.

In this connection, the method of horizontal stimulation is not free ofdrawbacks either. In order to reach the threshold of a group ofsensitive motor or sympathetic nerve fibers, the intensities are raisedto the same extent between an upper and a lower corner frequency. Thethreshold of a nerve fiber is first exceeded in this connection with thelower corner frequency. After the threshold has been reached, theduration of the above-threshold state in the range of the lower carrierfrequencies is still short as compared to the below-threshold state inthe range of the higher carrier frequencies.

If the number of nerve fibers stimulated above the threshold is to beincreased in order to raise, for example the intensity of the muscularcontraction via a greater number of stimulated motor nerve fibers, orvia a greater number of sensitive sympathetic fibers, or for the purposeof amplifying the intensity of the counter-irritation for thealleviation of pain, or for the purpose of intensifying peripheraleffects of vasoconstriction via a greater number of sympathetic fibers,the duration of the above-threshold state is prolonged for the fiberswhose threshold have been exceeded first, and the duration of thebelow-intensity state is reduced, and if the intensity is raisedfurther, even the entire modulation period may be in the above-thresholdrange.

A continually growing number of nerve fibers are in fact stimulatedabove the threshold with each increase in the intensity; however, the“above-the-threshold” time increases at the same time for the fibersalready stimulated above the threshold, so that due to the omission ofinterruption via the generation of volatile excitomotor activity, apermanent polarization with corresponding blocking may finally entail.

For a major part of the fibers, the modulation of the frequencytherefore still takes place only in the above-threshold range.

In that case, the desired range of stimulation that is synchronous withthe stimulation frequency is vacated and the range of the volatileexcitomotor activity is entered into instead, without any clear relationto the stimulation frequency and discharge frequency of the stimulatedstructure in terms of time. Finally, the risk is posed that a permanentpolarization of the cells is caused, i.e. of the nerves or muscles thatactually should have been stimulated. In connection with nerves, thelocal permanent polarization leads to line blockage, and in connectionwith muscles to a reversible physiological contraction.

For these reasons, it is not possible according to the method ofhorizontal stimulation to generate maximal tetanic contractions, as itis possible by means of vertical stimulation.

According to EP 0 659 099, a further field of application of horizontalstimulation consists in the generation of so-called interferences. Inthis connection, two medium-frequency currents that have only minorfrequency deviations among each other, are superimposed for generatinglow-frequency interference currents. An amplitude modulation ensues inthe field of superimposition of the medium-frequency currents mentionedabove. The modulation of the amplitude is caused by the difference inthe frequency of the two medium-frequency currents supplied. The aim ofsuch a superimposition of two or more current circuits is to raise theintensity of the treatment by adding up the individual intensities, sothat action potentials or heat are generated in this range.

In this connection, a distinction can be made between phases of the pureheat treatment, and of the heat treatment with action potentials andtreatment pauses, by controlling the method accordingly.

During the treatment pauses, in which neither heat nor action potentialsare generated, a non-stimulatory metabolism effect remains that isreferred to as the so-called “green metabolic effect”. This designationis to be understood as being the delimitation vis-à-vis the “yellowstimulation effect”, in connection with which the groups of nerves arestimulated in a targeted and stimulating manner.

In the interference therapy, the current circuits are applied by meansof the respective electrodes in such a manner that the field ofsuperimposition develops in the respective region of treatment.

A further drawback of the device already known from EP 0 659 099consists in that relative long pauses of the sensitive perception areunavoidable in connection with the so-called slow horizontal frequencymodulation. Only “green metabolic effects” are expected during thesepauses; however, these effects could be exploited in a more efficientmanner with an amplitude that is higher than the one usually applied inconnection with this method.

In addition to the prior art described in the foregoing, devices havebecome available in the market in the meantime in conjunction with whichit is possible to select between methods of the vertical and methods ofthe horizontal stimulation. This younger generation of devices istherefore adapted to carrying out both methods alternatively.

The invention is based on the problem of providing anelectro-therapeutic device that avoids the drawbacks of the prior artand offers a constant level of the safety standard in conjunction withincreased treatment comfort and an expanded field of application.

The object constituting the basis of the invention is resolved by anelectro-therapeutic device according to the features of the invention.Advantageous further developments of the invention are also specified.

Owing to the fact that according to the invention, a treatment currentis generated that is simultaneously amplitude- and frequency-modulatedwithin a medium-frequency range of from 1 to 100 kHz, and that thiscurrent is introduced into the body to be treated, the benefits andpossibilities of horizontal and vertical stimulation are united in onesingle method, on the one hand, and, furthermore, the shortcomings thatare necessarily inherent to these methods are avoided on the other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The electro-therapy that can be carried out with the device as definedby the invention is referred to as the high-tone frequency therapy thatis based on the selected frequency range. This frequency rangecorresponds for the most part with the frequency range that can beperceived by the healthy, youthful human ear as high-tone sound. Theselection of this frequency range ensures that the reduced capability ofintroducing current at lower frequencies is avoided, and that therequired “distance” from the threshold of cardiac ventricularfibrillation is maintained. Because of the higher thresholds connectedwith the legally permissible intensities, higher frequencies would onlygenerate weaker or even no neurophysiological stimulation effects, andcould raise the risk of damage to the skin caused by heat due to lack ofperception of the current.

The device as defined by the invention is intended for primarilytreating the following:

-   -   Painful diseases of the joints such as arthroses;    -   pain in the back and the neck with related diseases of the        spine;    -   muscle distortions;    -   pain and swelling after injuries and surgical interventions,        including fading of the effects of local anesthetics, among        others;    -   normal, retarded and permanent healing processes, for example        effusions of blood, bone fractures, ulcers of the lower leg, and        pressure sores;    -   venereal diseases and edemas.

Furthermore, local anesthesia can be produced in connection with thedevice as defined by the invention.

The electro-therapeutic device as defined by the invention additionallyhas an effect facilitating the metabolism on account of its shakingeffect, because the promotion of diffusion processes leads to anenhanced supply to and effusion from living tissue, to an increase inthe probability of contact between enzymes and the substrate; to anincrease in the probability of generating resonance phenomena, as wellas to the generation of effects imitating hormones via the influenceexerted on the formation of cAMP in the cells.

By using non-modulated high-tone frequency currents, the device can beapplied for generating local nerve blockage, for example in pain therapyor for local anesthesia. Furthermore, with the device as defined by theinvention it is possible to introduce substantially higher currentcapacities while taking into account the local compatibility.

In this connection, the simultaneous modulation of the amplitude andfrequency of the treatment current is carried out in a manner such thatthe method is varied between a first limit value with the low frequencyf_(o) and an upper or lower amplitude A_(o) or A_(u), respectively, ofthe treatment current i_(b), and a second limit value with a highfrequency f_(o) and a lower or upper amplitude A_(u) or A_(o),respectively whereby an angle that can be preset is intersected inrelation to the individual threshold of the treated patient that iseither substantially parallel with said threshold, or the latter iscrossed at said angle.

Within the medium-frequency range, a frequency band advantageouslycomprising up to three octaves is specified for carrying out thetreatment. This frequency band is ranging from 4,096 to 32,768 Hz andthus predominantly in the audible range, and therefore between anaudible, very high C, and the first C that is no longer safely audible.In order to generate therapeutically usable resonance phenomena, thefrequency band should amount to at least one octave.

In an advantageously further developed embodiment, theelectro-therapeutic device permits a treatment method in conjunctionwith which the treatment with current is carried out within thefrequency band with constant modulation of the frequency and amplitudeslightly below or above the threshold.

The treatment current is supplied in this connection via acontrol/regulation of the voltage or the current in a manner such thatthe treatment current is trailing the threshold slightly below or abovethe threshold.

For this purpose, the parameters for the device can be advantageouslyfixed in such a manner that a first limit value is adjusted first to alower frequency in such a manner that the amplitude of the current israised with no change in the frequency until this is slightly perceivedby the patient. This value is stored in the operating memory of theelectro-therapeutic device as the lower limit value. Subsequently, anupper limit value is adjusted to a predefined upper frequency by raisingthe current or voltage amplitude at the constant upper frequency untilthe current is slightly perceived again by the patient. This value isstored as the upper limit value. The moderately ascending curve obtainedwith a double logarithmic representation of the current or the voltageis the curve of the treatment current. The frequency-dependent treatmentcurrent is now supplied adjusted to said curve with respect to frequencyand modulation over the duration of the treatment time, which can bepreset.

The therapy is then carried out by running through the frequency band.The preset frequency steps are applied in discrete frequency steps overa defined span of time. It is entirely possible that the time periodsduring which the individual, adjusted frequency steps are acting, arevarying.

As already mentioned above, as an alternative, it is possible also totreat excitable cell by “flooding” such cells with current by means ofthe electro-therapeutic device in a manner alternating betweenabove-threshold and below-threshold current. In this connection, theangle of intersection of the straight line representing the treatmentcurrent in the double logarithmic representation, can be adjusted withthe stimulation threshold, preferably depending on the desired orrequired stimulation. A rough intersection angle, thus in about a rangeof between 45 and 90 degrees, stands for a “hard stimulation”; and asmall angle of intersection, thus in about the range of between 0 and 45degrees, stands for a “soft stimulation”. A hard stimulation is deemeddesirable, for example for superimposing pain by generation of acounter-stimulation, and a soft stimulation is desired if individualgroups of muscles are to be impacted in a targeted manner.

In this connection, again the parameters can be fixed for theelectro-therapeutic device also in the present case in a manner suchthat in the range of a preset lower limit frequency, a first limit valuewith a voltage amplitude corresponding with an above-threshold effect ispicked up and stored, and a second limit value is stored thereafter at afrequency designated as the upper limit frequency, with a voltageamplitude corresponding with a below-threshold effect as the upper limitvalue.

As mentioned already before, the amplitude of the treatment voltageabove the logarithmically plotted frequency of the treatment currentrepresents a straight line intersecting the stimulation threshold.

In the present case, too, the defined frequency band intended forapplication in the treatment is run through in defined frequency steps,whereby it is entirely possible to allocate different treatment timeperiods to the frequency selected in the given case.

For carrying out the method descrbed above, the electro-therapeuticdevice comprises at least one current generator for generating thetreatment current; an oscillator; and a frequency-setting device formodulating the frequency; as well as a corresponding element for settingthe amplitude of the treatment current. In addition, provision is madefor a processor unit with a corresponding memory unit for automaticallycarrying out the aforementioned steps of the treatment, as well as forstoring the required limit values. The treatment currents modulatedwithin the meaning of the invention are supplied via at least two flatelectrodes that are connected to the electro-therapeutic device.

In addition, the electro-therapeutic device can be provided with a timecontroller as well as an automatic shutoff device.

In an advantageously further developed embodiment, theelectro-therapeutic device is provided with a number of or at least twocurrent circuits that are independent of one another and can becontrolled or regulated, In this way, several patients can be treated atthe same time, on the one hand, and can be treated independently of oneanother by different methods on the other.

Furthermore, the interference methods already mentioned above can becarried out with such devices.

In connection with a particularly advantageous embodiment, theelectro-therapeutic device is provided with four independent currentcircuits for generating four different treatment currents.

The difference between the individual currents in terms of frequencyshould be extremely minor and be in a range of between 1/60 and ⅕ Hz. Asdistinguished from conventional interference current devices forgenerating low-frequency amplitude modulations, the minor frequencydifference supplies an extremely slow periodicity. The cause for this isa correspondingly slow change in the direction of the development of thefield lines generated in the body to be treated in each case by means ofthe applied current circuits. The periodicity of the change in the fieldlines approximately corresponds with the one of the vasomotion. Thisso-called slow stereo-interference permits the periodic inclusion ofregions of the body that have to be treated in distinguishable ways.

For generating such minor frequency differences of the differentcurrents to be supplied is connected with substantial expenditure interms of control technology. Such expenditure can be avoided by workingwith a method of gradual phase shifting between the three currentsinstead of operating in the way of the so-called high-tone frequencytreatment.

According to a yet further development of the invention, the frequenciesapplied in the way of the high-tone frequency treatment can bereproduced in the high-fidelity mode as well.

The electro-therapeutic device is connected for said purpose to asuitable device for reproducing the applied frequencies in such amanner.

In addition or as an alternative, even selected works of music can beused for generating the treatment currents.

For said purpose, the electro-therapeutic device is equipped with ahigh-pass filter for filtering out the critical low frequencies, and theamplifier for generating the treatment current is provided with acorresponding output limitation in order to limit any critical outputvalues that may occur in the way of the dynamics of the works of musicused.

The music therapy described above, which adds to the stimulationperceived by the body a sensual high-fidelity impression, can beintensified by the application of visualization.

The electro-therapeutic device is actively connected for that purposewith a control device for controlling a lighting system with changingcolors for visualizing the supplied frequencies in color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in greater detail in the following with thehelp of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electro-therapeutic device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for the treatment below the threshold.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for the treatment above and below the threshold; and

FIG. 4 shows the block diagram of another embodiment of theelectro-therapeutic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an electro-therapeutic device in the form of a blockcircuit device 1. The device 1 is comprised of a current generator 2,whereby the amplitude of the current can be adjusted via a settingelement 3. Furthermore, provision is made for an oscillator 4 that isconnected to a frequency-setting device 5. The setting element 3 and thefrequency-setting device 5 are controlled at least indirectly via theoutputs of a microprocessor 6 that is data-connected with an operatingmemory 7. Via the current generator 2 and the frequency-setting device5, a treatment current I_(B), the amplitude A or the intensity of whichare adjusted via the setting element 3, and its frequency f is adjustedvia the frequency-setting device 5, is supplied depending on a treatmentprogram. This program is controlled by the microprocessor 6 inconjunction with the values stored in the operating memory 7, or as aresult of fixed parameters stored in the operating memory 7. Thetreatment current I_(b) generated in said manner can be used for feedingit into three or more different current circuits that are generated bymeans of a superpositioning device 8.

Each current circuit comprises for this purpose its own amplifier unit10 to 12 with its own frequency generation by means of suitable settingelements. The frequencies can be generated completely independently ofeach other with a defined relation to each other.

The flat electrodes 13 to 15 can be connected to the amplifier outputsfor connecting them with the body to be treated.

Instead of being provided with the three current circuits shown in FIG.1, it is possible also to equip the electro-therapeutic device with onlyone single or also even more independent current circuits.

In this connection, the independent current circuits also may berealized in a completely self-sufficient manner, thus not by means ofany superposition. The technical design of such a variation is shown inFIG. 4.

Two preferred treatment methods of the electro-therapeutic therapy to becarried out with the electro-therapeutic device 1 are described in thefollowing.

FIG. 2 shows a method of the sensitive below-threshold therapy. Thecurrent amplitude A above the frequency f is plotted on the logarithmicscale as shown in the diagram in FIG. 2. The treatment takes placewithin a medium-frequency range of 4,096 Hz to 32,768 Hz. This range isdesignated as the treatment frequency band f_(B). The frequency bandf_(B) comprises the three octaves O₁ to O₃, within which the treatmentfrequency can be varied. The patient-dependent, individual stimulationthreshold RS can be plotted as a straight line within this currentamplitude/frequency coordinate system in a logarithmic representation.

The stimulation threshold RS denotes the frequency- andamplitude-dependent limit value of the cells that can be stimulated.Above this limit value, at least one action potential is generatedautomatically. Within the maximally possible frequency band f_(B), anupper and a lower frequency value f_(o) and f_(u), respectively, can beselected depending on the patient and the treatment therapy. Theamplitude and the frequency of the treatment current I_(B) are modulatedwithin said upper and lower frequency values.

In that connection, the parameters are first laid down in such a mannerthat with a fixed lower limit frequency f_(u), the voltage or currentamplitude A is raised until a first perception of the patient takesplace in the region that has to be treated. Thereafter, the amplitude isslightly reduced again, so that the sensation disappears again. Thiscurrent amplitude value A_(o) thus lies barely below the stimulationthreshold RS. As soon as this value has been adjusted, it is stored asthe lower limit value. Subsequently, with an upper frequency f_(o) set,the voltage or current amplitude A is raised again until the patientfeels a slight sensation again. The amplitude is then subsequentlyslightly reduced again, so that this sensation will disappear again.This current amplitude value A_(o) is then stored as well as the upperlimit value.

The frequency band disposed between the upper and the lower limitfrequencies represents the frequency band F_(Br) that is simultaneouslyrelevant to the treatment to be carried out. Now, within this frequencyband F_(Br), the treatment current i_(B) is then modulated in discretefrequency steps in such a manner that the current is shifted from a lowlimit value in the range of the lower limit frequency f_(u) with a lowamplitude A_(u), into the range of higher frequencies until the upperlimit frequency f_(o) has been reached. In that connection, the currentamplitude A is increased with the increasing frequency as well until avalue A_(o) has been reached. The current is increased or reduced inthis connection parallel with the perception threshold within therelevant frequency band F_(Br). It is entirely possible in thisconnection to select different values for the duration of the time spanover which the voltage or current amplitudes A allocated to theindividual frequencies are acting.

The metabolism of the body is favorably influenced or promoted in thecourse of this therapy in different planes of action, and a stimulatingeffect is consciously omitted.

In connection with the methods represented in the diagram according toFIG. 3, the aim is to apply a stimulating effect in addition to thepromotion of the metabolism.

The parameters of the treatment current I_(B) are fixed in thisconnection in such a manner that a voltage or current amplitude A_(o) ofthe treatment current i_(B) is first selected in the range of the lowerlimit frequency f_(u) in a manner such that a maximum amplitude A_(u) isadjusted distinctly above the stimulation threshold. Subsequently, inthe course of laying down the parameters, an upper limit frequency f_(o)is picked up, whereby the amplitude value A_(u) of the treatment currentI_(B) allocated to the upper limit frequency f_(o) is obtained in therelation to the current amplitude A_(o) allocated to the lowerfrequency. For example, the lower amplitude A_(u) may amount to 50percent of the upper amplitude A_(o) of the treatment current i_(B). Inany case, the lower amplitude A_(u) allocated to the upper limitfrequency f_(o) lies distinctly below the stimulation threshold RS. Thetreatment current i_(s) modulated in the course of the treatment withinthe relevant frequency band f_(BR) in such a manner that phases of theabove and the below-threshold configurations replace each otherperiodically with corresponding frequency andamplitude-modulation-frequency-synchronous triggering of actionpotentials. In this connection as well, the relevant frequency bandf_(Br) is run through in discrete steps, whereby it is entirely possibleto select in different ways the time duration over which the currentamplitudes allocated to the individual frequencies are acting.

Furthermore, the alternating runs through the relevant frequency bandf_(BR) may occur rapidly at different rates of speed. In the presentexample, the relevant frequency band comprises two octaves.

With both methods, which are selected here only by way of example, theadjusted frequency range lies at least predominantly in the audiblerange. Therefore, it may be useful within the meaning of an overalluniform treatment to additionally provide the electro-therapeutic device1 with equipment for reproducing the audible frequencies and the makethe latter accessible to the patient. Alternatively, even the reversedapproach is conceivable, which is to use selected works of music forcontrolling the electro-therapeutic device in a manner such that thetreatment currents i_(B) are selected depending on the harmonicconfiguration of the selected works of music. In that case, a high-passfilter for separating or weakening the intensity of the locally andsystemically less compatible low frequencies has to be allocated to theelectro-therapeutic device, and to the amplifier units 10 to 12 anoutput limitation in order to prevent the compatibility of the body tobe exceeded in the way of the dynamics of individual works of music byintroducing excessive outputs.

As a further development of the aforementioned overall idea of thetherapy, it is possible to additionally allocate to theelectro-therapeutic device a system for visualizing the frequenciesemployed, for example in the way of correspondingly controlled coloredlight games.

An electro-therapeutic device is thus described in the foregoing thatcombines within itself the advantages of the horizontal and the verticalstimulation and, in the presence of a raised safety standard, offers thehighest operating comfort in conjunction with new applicationpossibilities for the patient.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Electro-therapeutic device-   2 Current generator-   3 Setting element-   4 Oscillator-   5 Frequency-setting device-   6 Microprocessor-   7 Operating memory-   8 Superpositioning device-   10 to 12 Amplifiers-   13 to 15 Flat electrodes-   i_(B) Treatment current-   A Amplitude-   A_(o) Upper amplitude-   A_(u) Lower amplitude-   f Frequency-   f_(B) Frequency band-   f_(Br) Relevant frequency band-   O₁ to O₃ Octaves-   RS Stimulation threshold-   f_(o) Upper limit frequency-   f_(u) Lower limit frequency

1. An electro-therapeutic device for treating the preferably human body,and/or for carrying out a respirator-triggered, active expiration and/orfor the prophylaxis of an inactivity atrophy of the respiratory muscledisorder, with electrical currents of a defined frequency and amplitude,comprising at least two flat electrodes attachable to the body to betreated for closing a current circuit via said body, in connection withwhich device a treatment current (i_(B)) whose amplitude (A) andfrequency (f) can be modulated simultaneously, can be introduced intothe body to be treated, means for varying the treatment current (i_(B))within a frequency band (f_(B)) designated as the medium frequency rangebetween from 1 kHz to 100 kHz, in order to treat the preferably humanbody, or to carry out said active expiration or to treat saidrespiratory disorder, in a manner such that it is varied in preferablydiscrete frequency steps between a first limit value with a low limitfrequency (f_(u)) at a simultaneously minimal amplitude (A_(u)) of thetreatment current (i_(B)), and a second limit value with an upper limitfrequency (f_(o)) with a maximal amplitude (A_(o)) of the treatmentcurrent (i_(B)) and a second limit value with an upper limit frequency(f_(o)) with a minimal amplitude (A_(u)) of the treatment current(i_(B)), means for causing amplitude rises or drops as the frequency issimultaneously increasing, or, viceversa, the amplitude (A) of thetreatment current (i_(B)) decreases or rises as the frequency issimultaneously decreasing, and means for modulating the treatmentcurrent (i_(B)) in such a manner that it is varied at least within apart of the treatment frequency band (f_(B)) between the first and thesecond limit values in a manner such that it is varied slightly belowthe threshold based on a stimulation threshold (RS), substantially inparallel with the stimulation threshold (RS), in a manner such that thetreatment current (i_(b)) is always trailing the stimulation threshold(RS) depending upon the amplitude and the frequency, in each caseslightly falling short of the sensitivity threshold.
 2. Theelectrotherapeutic device according to claim 1, comprising means forfixing the parameters of the electro-therapeutic device (1) in a mannersuch that at a lower frequency (f_(u)), the amplitude (A) of thetreatment current (i_(b)) is raised up to barely below the stimulationthreshold (RS) up to an amplitude value (A_(u)), and said amplitudevalue can be stored as the first limit value within an operating memory(7) of the electro-therapeutic device; and that at an upper limitfrequency (f_(o)) that can be preset, the amplitude (A) of the treatmentcurrent (i_(B)) is again raised up to barely below the stimulationthreshold (RS) up to an amplitude value (A_(o)) of the treatment current(i_(B)) and can be stored within the operating memory (7) as the secondlimit value.
 3. The electro-therapeutic device according to claim 1, inconnection with which device, the trailing takes place between the firstand the second limit values in defined frequency steps, with a currentamplitude (A) lying barely above or below the stimulation threshold (RS)being allocated to each of such steps.
 4. The electro-therapeutic deviceaccording to claim 1, comprising means for modulating the treatmentcurrent (i_(B)) in such a manner that at least within a part of thefrequency band (f_(B)), between the first limit value with a lowerfrequency (f_(u)), to which an amplitude (A_(o)) of the treatmentcurrent lying above the stimulation threshold (RS) is allocated, and asecond limit value with an upper limit frequency (f_(o)), to which anamplitude (A_(u)) of the treatment current (i_(B)) lying distinctlybelow the stimulation threshold (RS) is allocated, the treatment currentis varied in a manner such that the stimulation threshold (RS) isintersected in each case at an angle that can be preset in a variablemanner.
 5. The electro-therapeutic device according to claim 4,comprising means for fixing the parameters of the electro-therapeuticdevice in such a manner that at a lower frequency (f_(u)) that can bepreset, an amplitude (A_(o)) of the treatment current (i_(B)) distinctlyabove the stimulation threshold (RS) is picked up and can be storedwithin the operating memory (7) as the first limit value, and followingan upper limit frequency (f_(o)), an amplitude (A_(u)) of the treatmentcurrent(i_(B)) lying distinctly below the stimulation threshold (RS) isdetermined in the form of a defined proportion of the amplitude (A_(o))and filed within the operating memory (7) as the second limit value. 6.The electro-therapeutic device according to claim 4, wherein the methodis carried out between the first and the second limit values inpreferably discrete frequency steps in a manner such that the phases ofthe above-threshold and the below-threshold stimulation alternateperiodically.
 7. The electra-therapeutic device according to claim 4,comprising means for causing a relevant treatment frequency range(f_(Br)) lying between the lower limit frequency (f_(u)) and the upperlimit frequency (f_(o)) to be run through at preferably different speedsthat can be preset.
 8. The electrotherapeutic device according to claim7, wherein the device comprises a plurality, at least two currentcircuits operating independently of one another.
 9. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to claim 8 comprising at leastthree, independent current circuits for generating interferences withinthe body to be treated, in a manner such that three treatment currents(i_(B1) to i_(B3)) with a preferably variable, minor frequencydifference preferably in the range of 1/60 and ⅕ Hz, can besimultaneously introduced into the body to be treated.
 10. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to claim 8, wherein a gradual phaseshift can be adjusted between the voltages or currents (i_(Bl) toi_(B3)) introduced by means of the different current circuits.
 11. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to claim 8, wherein the frequencies(f) applied for treating the body are simultaneously reproducibleaudiophonically, and/or that defined works of music can be used for thetherapeutic treatment or the modulation of the treatment current(i_(B)).
 12. The electratherapeutic device according to claim 8, whereina device for reproducing color and/or light is allocated to theelectro-therapeutic device in such a manner that the frequencies appliedfor modulating the treatment current (i_(B)) can be simultaneouslyapplied for controlling the light system in terms of a light and/orcolor visualization.
 13. The electratherapeutic device according toclaim 4, comprising a current or voltage generator (2) for generatingthe treatment current (i_(B)), the frequency of which generator can bemodulated by means of an oscillator (4) and a frequency-setting device(5) allocated to said oscillator; and the amplitude of which can bemodulated by a setting device (3); and with a processor unit (6) as wellas a memory unit (7) allocated to said processor unit for controllingand/or regulating the electro-therapy, as well as comprising at leasttwo flat electrodes (13 to 15) for attachment to a body to be treated ina contacting manner.
 14. A method for using an electra-therapeuticdevice (1) for carrying out a respirator-triggered, active expirationand/or for the prophylaxis of an inactivity atrophy of the respiratorymuscle wherein said electro-therapeutic device for treating thepreferably human body with electrical currents of a defined frequencyand amplitude, comprising attaching at least two flat electrodes to thebody to be treated for closing a current circuit via said body, inconnection with which device a treatment current (i_(B)) whose amplitude(A) and frequency (f) can be modulated simultaneously, can be introducedinto the body to be treated, varying the treatment current (i_(B))within a frequency band (f_(B)) designated as the medium frequency rangebetween from 1to 100kHz, in a manner such that it is varied inpreferably discrete frequency steps between a first limit value with alow limit frequency (f_(u)) at a simultaneously minimal amplitude(A_(u)) of the treatment current (i_(B)), and a second limit value withan upper limit frequency (f_(o)) with a maximal amplitude (A_(o)) of thetreatment current (i_(B)) and a second limit value with an upper limitfrequency (f_(o)) with a minimal amplitude (A_(u)) of the treatmentcurrent (i_(B)), whereby the amplitude rises or drops as the frequencyis simultaneously increasing, or, viceversa, the amplitude (A) of thetreatment current (i_(B)) decreases or rises as the frequency issimultaneously decreasing; and wherein the treatment current (i_(B)) ismodulated in such a manner that it is varied at least within a part ofthe treatment frequency band (f_(B)) between the first and the secondlimit values in a manner such that it is varied slightly below thethreshold based on a stimulation threshold (RS), substantially inparallel with the stimulation threshold (RS), in a manner such that thetreatment current (i_(B)) is always trailing the stimulation threshold(RS) depending upon the amplitude and the frequency, in each caseslightly falling short of the sensitivity threshold.
 15. Anelectro-therapeutic device for treating the preferably human body,and/or for carrying out a respirator-triggered, active expiration and/orfor the prophylaxis of an inactivity atrophy of the respiratory muscledisorder, with electrical currents of a defined frequency and amplitude,comprising at least two flat electrodes attachable to the body to betreated for closing a current circuit via said body, in connection withwhich device a treatment current (i_(B)) whose amplitude (A) andfrequency (f) can be modulated simultaneously, can be introduced intothe body to be treated, means for varying the treatment current (i_(B))within a frequency band (f_(B)) designated as the medium frequency rangebetween from 1kHz to 100kHz, in order to treat the preferably humanbody, or to carry out said active expiration or to treat saidrespiratory disorder, in a manner such that it is varied in preferablydiscrete frequency steps between a first limit value with a low limitfrequency (f_(u)) at a simultaneously minimal amplitude (A_(u)) of thetreatment current (i_(B)), and a second limit value with an upper limitfrequency (f_(o)) with a maximal amplitude (A_(o)) of the treatmentcurrent (i_(B)) and a second limit value with an upper limit frequency(f_(o)) with a minimal amplitude (A_(u)) of the treatment current(i_(B)), means for causing amplitude rises or drops as the frequency issimultaneously increasing, or, vice-versa, the amplitude (A) of thetreatment current (i_(B)) decreases or rises as the frequency issimultaneously decreasing, and means for modulating the treatmentcurrent (i_(B)) in such a manner that it is varied at least within apart of the treatment frequency band (f_(B)) between the first and thesecond limit values in a manner such that it is varied slightly belowthe threshold based on a stimulation threshold (RS), substantially inparallel with the stimulation threshold (RS), in a manner such that thetreatment current (i_(b)) is always trailing the stimulation threshold(RS) depending upon the amplitude and the frequency, in each caseslightly falling short of the sensitivity threshold; and whereintreatment is run from a specific lower limit through to a specific upperlimit, before the procedure is restarted on another level.